MIRI: A 32-year-old nurse became RM2,160 poorer when she was duped into applying for a RM20,000 loan.
According to Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief, Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, the victim initially received a text message from an individual claiming to be a representative of a money lending company.
The victim received the text message on March 15.
“The individual offered her a cash loan amounting to RM20,000, but she must first make payment for the loan’s insurance,” said Mustafa in a press statement.
Desperate to get the loan approved, the woman banked in RM2,160 into the caller’s bank account on March 16.
She realised that she had been conned when caller could no longer be contacted.
She then reported the scam to the police.
In a second case a 43-year-old offshore worker also became victim in a similar loan scheme. The man reportedly lost RM3,400 to the schemer.
“He received a call from a female caller who claimed to be from a money lending company. When she offered him a cash loan, he asked for RM15,000,” said Supt Mustafa.
However, in order to proceed with his application, the “target” must first pay for the loan’s insurance and processing fee.
The man then deposited RM3,400 in two transactions into a bank account as per the scammer’s instruction.
The man realised he was conned after the suspect gave numerous excuses when he asked about the loan application process.
Mustafa revealed that 220 cases of easy loan scams were reported in Sarawak for from January to December last year. The total amount of money scammed was RM1.5 million. The police made 39 arrests in 2018.
“This year from January 1 to March 15, 34 cases were reported. The money involved came up to RM244,495.04,” he said.
Mustafa then advised the public not to get loans from illegal sources.
“Please apply through the proper channels,” he said.
